Can you connect two computers using only one cable modem and two ethernet cables?

Answer 1

If you got all the way down here... then thanks for reading.

The answer is yes, and no.

If each PC only has one NIC, then no. If one PC has two NICs then yes.

Chances are, each of your PC's only has one network port, if so, then here are your options:

1) You can buy a second network card, put it in one of your PC's, plug the cable modem into one, and run a crossover cable from one PC to the other. Then set up Internet Connection Sharing. (This is probably the cheapest way)

2) You can buy an internet router. Plug the Cable modem into the internet/wan port on the router, and run one cable from the router to each of the two PC's. (This is the best way)

Answer 2

If your modem has two connections then yes. Otherwise there are a number of options.

the best is to get a router (standard10/100Mbs will do for internet. for futureproof then a 1Gb might be worthwhile but unlikely). This is a box that "routes the information that it recieves to where it is meant to go. you would connect the modem and PCs to it.

Otherwise you can conect the Modem to one PC and then that PC to the nect. For this you would need either two ethernet ports on the first computer (you can install a new card yourself and it is a good introduction to playing inside your computer as it is so easy. or you can get a USB ethernet port). Otherwise you could use firewire (if you don't have it it's probably not worth getting.

The other option is a variation on the router option which is to get a wireless router. this might be expensive as you would have to ensure you have the router and at least one wireless reciever for your computer (the other computer could be connected by a cable). This could be worthwhile if the computers/one computer are not near the modem. However it would also be the most expensive.

Any questions then please feel free to email me

Answer 3

You don't.


If you just want to directly connect two computers (without any Internet access) then a crossover cable will work- just connect one end into the network jack on each computer. These cables are designed to run directly between two computers.

If you have only regular ethernet cables, you need to plug both computers into a switch or hub.

To share Internet access, you need a router (Almost all of which have a built-in switch, so the router is all you need)

Answer 4

yes but you will need two Ethernet cards on of the computers,you connect one two the modem and the another to the another computer using a cross cable ,then you will make the first computer is the Internet sever for the second computer by sharing the Internet connection on the network.

Answer 5

I assume you are connecting the two computers to the same internet connection - not each other.

In that case.. you would get a router to put between the cable modem and the two machines.

Answer 6

If you dont buy a router, you need a cheap extra $5 Network card in one of the computers. but dont even need that if your modem have USB connection.
what you do you connect modem to PC1 (using NIC-1 or USB)
then Connect PC1 to PC2 Using Crossover Cable(from the NIC-1 if USB was used or NIC-2 if NIC-1 is the modem)

modem->PC1 <--> PC2
*crossover cable is a network cable that is reversed on one side this way you dont need a router to connect tow PC's.

now the next thing you need to do is setup Internet connection sharing on the PC1.

and on PC2 to point that PC1 is the internet provider.
i.e modem IP 192.168.0.x

PC1 IP 192.168.0.y
PC1 Gateway 192.168.0.x
PC1 DNS 192.168.0.x (AUto or ISP setting best)

PC2 IP 192.168.0.z
PC1 Gateway 192.168.0.y
PC1 DNS 192.168.0.y

This is old school and anoying way to connect but still works, if you go to start->setting->control panal -> network connection
right click on LAN ->properties
go to advance tab then activate Internet connection sharing, some wizards might help too by windows.
hope this helps some.

Answer 7

You can connect the two computers with a crossover cable, but to get outside access you will need a router.

Answer 8

You can do it with a second NIC card in one of the computers. But as you can buy a router for the same price, and the connection would faster with the router, it would not be very smart to do. Just get a router.

Answer 9

Only if the modem has two ports if not you will need a Router.

Answer 10

yes!
first connect one to internet after u create a conection betwen your copmuters with ethernet cable and your internet connectin u can share'it with the other!